Ed Prowse has penned a contract extension to remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Saints can today announce.
The 25-year-old came through the Club’s Academy pathway – and although he was released as an 18-year-old, he showed his resilience by gaining valuable experience at Coventry, as well as on loan at Kettering RFC and Loughborough University.
He also impressed on several outings for Northampton Wanderers before signing his first full‑time contract ahead of the 2020/21 season, and making his senior debut against Newcastle in March 2022.
Prowse made seven further first‑team appearances over the following three seasons, while surpassing 50 outings for Saints’ partner club Bedford Blues.
Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the 6ft 4in, 123kg forward transitioned from prop to second row – a move that sparked a breakthrough year. He featured in 11 matches, including appearing off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup Final against Bordeaux Bègles.
“I absolutely love this place; it’s my boyhood club, so there wasn’t much of a decision to make about staying here – there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” said Prowse.
“The 2024/25 season was the biggest of my career so far. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, ending with me playing in a Champions Cup final at lock, even though it began with me being told in preseason that my future wasn’t at tighthead prop.
“The belief Phil Dowson and the other coaches showed in me when they said I could transition into the second row meant a lot, and that faith has really paid off. There isn’t a huge difference between the two positions – aside from the set-piece, of course – but the move has allowed me to focus more on the things I’m good at, which has been great.
“I’ve shifted my focus towards explosiveness rather than just all-out strength. I want to be a threat on both sides of the ball, dominate collisions and get my hands on the ball as much as possible. I just want to play as much as I can, keep progressing, and enjoy every minute.
“It’s unbelievable playing here at Saints in front of a full house – there’s no better feeling. We’re so fortunate to have so many sold-out games, and I absolutely love playing at cinch Stadium in front of our supporters.”
Prowse’s importance to the squad has been underlined this term as the lock has featured in 14 of Saints’ 18 games in all competitions so far, continuing to build on the foundations laid last season.
And Director of Rugby Phil Dowson believes the sky’s the limit for Prowse, given his athletic profile and skillset, now that he has firmly established himself in the second row.
He said: “We always knew Ed could play at an extremely high level. He’s got a great skillset – he can handle the ball, he hits hard, he works tirelessly around the park, and his set piece is very strong.
“So while he was already a very capable player, we made the call to shift him from prop into the second row because of how effective he is in the loose. It’s not a move you see very often, but he’s been outstanding in the way he’s applied himself and has become a really impressive heavyweight lock.
“He’s also a genuinely great man to have in the squad. He throws himself into everything, he’s very funny, and he’s the life and soul of so much within our environment – he’s a brilliant character to have around.
“But most importantly, it’s what he delivers on the pitch that stands out. If you’d told him when we moved him into the second row that 12 months later he’d be playing in a European final, he probably would have laughed – that’s how remarkable his journey has been.
“That whole group of locks is in a really good place. Alex Coles is having a huge impact with his leadership, driving the standards, and Ed has been outstanding within that too – so we’re absolutely delighted to keep hold of him.”